What are Co-Codamol Tablets?
Co-Codamol Tablets are a painkiller which combines 2 active ingredients to help to relieve your pain, paracetamol and codeine. This is the perfect temporary pain relief for those who find that their pain is not eased by painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol alone. If you’re suffering from moderate pain such as a migraine, toothache, or rheumatic pain, co-codamol can help to ease your pain until they’ve passed.
What kinds of pain can these tablets help to relieve
Co-Codamol Tablets can be used for many different kinds of moderate pain that can’t be relieved with painkillers like paracetamol alone. Some of the most common uses for this product include:
- Headaches
- Migraine
- Toothache
- Neuralgia
- Period pain
- Rheumatic pains
How will co-codamol tablets help to ease my pain?
Co-Codamol Tablets contain two active ingredients which are both painkillers; 500mg of paracetamol and 8mg of codeine. Paracetamol is a popular everyday painkiller that can reduce high temperatures and fever, which is an effective way to treat cold and flu symptoms. Codeine is a kind of painkiller called opioid analgesics and can be used to ease moderate pains when paracetamol isn’t enough by itself.
Can I take this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Medical professionals usually won’t recommend medicines which contain codeine at this time. Do not take co-codamol if you’re breastfeeding, the codeine in this medication can metabolise into morphine and pass into your breast milk.
Can I drive after taking co-codamol?
Co-codamol can affect your ability to drive, as it can make you feel dizzy or sleepy. Do not attempt to drive or use tools or machinery until you are sure that you are not affected in this way
Can I take these tablets if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, including those you bought without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking co-codamol tablets. You should not take these tablets if you’re taking any other medications which contain paracetamol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re already taking:
- Benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety
- Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, such as warfarin
- Metoclopramide or domperidone, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting
Will I get addicted to these tablets?
Co-codamol can be addictive in some circumstances, but if you follow the instructions recommended by the manufacturer or your doctor or pharmacist this is unlikely to happen. If you’re concerned about becoming dependent on this medication or need to take this product for longer periods, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How to take these tablets
Swallow co-codamol tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not take for more than 3 days unless recommended to do so by your doctor.
- Adults: Take 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours, as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hours
- Children aged 16 – 18: Take 1 – 2 tablet every 6 hours, as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in any 24 hours
- Children aged 12 – 15: Take 1 tablet every 6 hours, as needed. Do not take more than 4 tablets in any 24 hours
Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?
You do not need a prescription for Co-codamol Tablets, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist-4-U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that this product is the best choice for you.
When should Co-Codamol Tablets not be used?
Co-Codamol Tablets should not be taken by children under the age of 12. Do not take this product if you are allergic to paracetamol, codeine, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take Co-Codamol Tablets if you:
- Are under the age of 18 and have had your tonsils or adenoids removed due to obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
- You know that you metabolise codeine into morphine very rapidly
- You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you:
- Have severe kidney or liver problems
- Are taking a benzodiazepine
Does co-codamol have any side effects?
Like all medications, Co-Codamol Tablets can have side effects, although not everyone will get them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop use and seek immediate medical assistance:
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, or throat, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hives or nettle rash
- Serious skin reactions, very rare cases have been reported
- Severe stomach pain, which may reach through to your back. This could be a sign of inflammation of the pancreas and is also very rare
Other side effects you may experience include:
- Constipation, feeling sick, being sick
- Dizziness, light-headedness, drowsiness, confusion
- Difficulty passing water
- Getting more infections or bruising easily than usual
- Becoming dependant on codeine
If you experience these or any other side effects while taking Co-Codamol Tablets, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of this medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here
If you are concerned about addiction of ‘over the counter’ medication we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice
